Hello,

In anticipation of the May 1st introduction date for 2017 Nutmegs, I have begun reading the 10 intermediate and 10 teen titles that have been our middle school's summer reading program for the past 10 years. 

Two of the teen titles have rather mature themes that I feel uncomfortable recommending to my 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students and feel are more appropriate for high school. I do not advocate or condone censorship; however, there is a huge difference in having a book on a library shelf that's available for check out and recommending it for summer reading. Has anyone else read Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend (abduction of an autistic elementary student by his special ed teacher), or Swagger (sexual abuse of a high school senior by his coach leading to the student's suicide) and had similar concerns? I am in a quandary about what to do about these titles regarding summer reading. I am interested in what others think.

Thanks,